Financial services provider USAA named both the 2012 Hyundai Elantra and 2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan as 2012 “Best Value” vehicle picks. USAA rated cars in 16 different categories with a proprietary vehicle rating system using quantitative data that takes factors such as cost, safety, reliability and fuel economy into consideration. Both Hyundai vehicles were recognized for offering the best financial value in their respective segments; the Elantra topped the small sedan category and the Genesis sedan won in the large luxury sedan category.

Elantra also made it onto USAA’s Top 10 for Teens list. The list was compiled from the results of a recent survey that identified the top 10 USAA Preferred vehicles that possess reliability, a high safety rating and affordable auto insurance. Additionally, four Hyundai vehicles were also recognized with the USAA Preferred designation: Sonata (midsize sedan), Accent (small sedan), Genesis Coupe (large luxury sedan), and Santa Fe (midsize SUV).

“The goal of the list is to help members identify vehicles that typically offer better safety ratings, lower insurance premium costs, higher fuel economy, better overall reliability and lower MSRP compared to other vehicles in the same category,” said Steve Thompson, assistant vice president, USAA. “The Elantra and Genesis both rose to the top as vehicles that offer these key elements, making them great buys for the value-minded consumer.”

The 2012 North American Car of the Year Elantra adds an ActiveECO System for 2012 that modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response and increase real-world fuel economy by up to seven percent. Elantra’s standard fuel economy is 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, and is powered by an all-new 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque.

Hyundai’s Genesis sedan, the 2009 North American Car of the Year, continues its segment leadership in 2012 with exterior design improvements, new direct injection technology for its Lambda V6 engine, new eight-speed automatic transmissions, and enhanced chassis tuning. In addition, a new 5.0-liter direct injection V8 engine is now available exclusively with the 5.0 R-Spec model, which includes unique 19-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, optional Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position summer performance tires and sport-tuned transmission, suspension and steering calibrations for exhilarating vehicle dynamics.